Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,300 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100«; the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150«; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200«; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300«; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400«; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500« and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550«. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales«. The company employs more than 7,800 people at eight major locations.

From the very first days, Gulfstream aircraft have been adapted for government and military use. Today, 34 governments operate Gulfstream jets and 22 countries, including the United States, use Gulfstream aircraft to transport their heads-of-state. In addition to their traditional role of executive transportation, Gulfstream aircraft have also been reconfigured and equipped to serve and be involved in missions as diverse as priority cargo and personnel transportation, maritime and aerial reconnaissance, medical evacuation and pilot and astronaut training. The advanced technology, safety, reliability and adaptability of the aircraft make them as attractive to government and military operators as they are to international and Fortune 500 corporate operators.

On September 9, 2002 Gulfstream introduced a broad new product line that offers an exceptional combination of price, performance and value-added customer preferences in each segment of the business jet market. The new product line, consisting of seven aircraft, will provide the opportunity for the company to compete aggressively and effectively in all segments of the business jet market from mid-cabin, high-speed to large-cabin, ultra-long-range. A new designation for Gulfstream aircraft was also announced in conjunction with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention being held in Orlando, Sept. 10-12.

Gulfstream developed a new designation system for its entire business jet fleet that allows for an easy-to-understand transition and for future planned product introductions. This designation approach, which will not affect in-service aircraft nomenclature, will provide for easy understanding of the progression in cabin size, performance and value across the product line.

The Gulfstrearm II has an intercontinental range capability and a maximum cruising speed of 588 miles per hour, or Mach number of 0.85, at an altitude of 25 000 feet. The aircraft, frequently referred to as the G-II, was developed as a jet-powered successor to the highly successful turboprop-powered Gulfstream I. First flight of the G-II took place in October 1966, and a total of 256 units were manufactured before production ended in 1979. The more advanced Gulfstrearn III became available in late 1980.

The Gulfstream II is a low-wing configuration incorporating a Ttall and a wing of aspect ratio 6.0, 25 sweepback, and airfoil sections varying in thickness ratio from 12 to 8.5 percent. Power is supplied by two Rolls-Royce Spey MK 511-8 turbofan engines of 11 400 pounds thrust each. These engines are equipped with a five-stage fan and have a bypass ratio of 0.64; target-type thrust reversers are employed. The high-lift system consists of single-slotted trailing-edge flaps. Lateral control is provided by a combination of ailerons and spoilers. The spoilers may also be deployed symmetrically to increase drag and reduce lift. Elevators are used for longitudinal control, and trim is accomplished with a variable incidence stabilizer. All controls are hydraulically actuated.

The passenger cabin of the Gulfstream II is usually configured for 10 to 14 passengers (maximum capacity of' 19 passengers). The range-payload data indicate a range of 3881 miles with maximum fuel. Takeoff and landing distances are in the same class as those of the Lockheed JetStar.

As compared with the Gulfstream II, the Gulfstream III is slightly larger and heavier and has a greater range. The appearance of the new aircraft, however, differs little from that of the Gulfstream II. Winglets similar to those employed on the Gates Learjet 55 provide the primary identification feature of the Gulfstream III.

The ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650, powered by two of the new Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most-advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. It is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach or 5,000 nautical miles at 0.90 Mach. Using an advanced aerodynamic design, the G650 has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach, which will make it the fastest civil aircraft flying. It can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet, allowing it to avoid airline-traffic congestion and adverse weather. The G650 features the most technologically advanced PlaneView II cockpit with a number of enhancements including: four 14-inch, adaptive, liquid-crystal displays; three standard PlaneBook« computer tablets; a smaller pedestal; a standby multifunction controller that combines current display controller functionality with standby flight instruments; and a fully automatic, three-dimensional scanning weather radar with an integral terrain database for efficient ground-clutter elimination. In addition, the G650 uses the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS II), the Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display (SV-PFD) system and Head-Up Display (HUD II). The aircraft offers a full three-axis fly-by-wire system that delivers flight-envelope protection, increased redundancy and reduced maintenance. Gulfstream expects to begin G650 customer deliveries in the second half of 2012.

The large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 can fly up to 51,000 feet at speeds up to Mach 0.885. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, the G550 can fly eight passengers and four crewmembers 6,750 nautical miles. The G550 also features the PlaneView cockpit. The G550's standard equipment includes the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System and the Gulfstream Signature Cursor Control Devices. The fully equipped G550 offers a choice of cabin layouts and option packages. Customization packages are also available. Dependent upon the configuration, the G550 can accommodate 14 to 18 passengers. The aircraft received FAA certification in August 2003 and validation from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in March 2004. The G550 entered service in September 2003. In early 2004, the G550 team was awarded the 2003 Collier Trophy, the most prestigious award in aviation in North America.

The large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500, powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, can fly 5,800 nautical miles with eight passengers at a cruising speed of Mach 0.80. The G500's required takeoff distance is only 5,150 feet. Owners of the Gulfstream G500 will enjoy a wide range of cabin selections that include multiple layouts with configurations to accommodate 14 to 18 passengers. Standard equipment and option packages combined with the proven reliability, safety, comfort and performance offer an exceptional combination of features that serve to enhance the customer's ability to tailor the aircraft to meet individual mission needs. On Jan. 11, 2005, the G500 received validation from both the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). The first G500 entered service in May 2004.

The large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 business jet, which was introduced at the 2003 National Business Aviation Association's annual meeting, is an entire aircraft upgrade of an already outstanding business jet, the Gulfstream GIV/GIV-SP/G400. With the ability to accommodate 12 to 16 passengers, travel 4,350 nautical miles and cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.88, the G450 can handle domestic and international flights with ease. The G450 is powered by upgraded Tay 611-8C Rolls-Royce engines. Combined with aerodynamic and material improvements, its flight and performance characteristics provide greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs. The G450 features the PlaneView cockpit as well as Gulfstream's Enhanced Vision System. Every G450 is backed by an excellent warranty and award-winning service and product support. On Aug. 12, 2004, the G450 received a Type Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The G450 received both its European Aviation Safety Agency Type Certificate and Federal Aviation Administration Production Certificate in November 2004. Gulfstream commenced customer deliveries in May 2005.

The large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350 offers the most cabin volume, the best performance and the largest number of standard features compared to any aircraft in its class. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C engines, the G350 has the ability to accommodate 12 to 16 passengers, travel a maximum of 3,800 nautical miles and cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.88. Like the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450, the G350 features the exclusive PlaneView cockpit. Available as optional equipment on the G350 are the next-generation Visual Guidance System, Honeywell Head-Up Display (HUD) and Gulfstream's Enhanced Vision System (EVS). In November 2004, the G350 received both a Type Certificate and a Production Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition, the G350 received validation by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on March 30, 2005. The first Gulfstream G350 entered service in June 2005.

The large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250 offers the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines, the G250 can accommodate up to 10 passengers, travel 3,400 nautical miles and cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.82. The aircraft also features 17 percent to 35 percent more floor area than any other super mid-size business jet. This additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage. The G250 is equipped with the most advanced flight deck in its class: the PlaneView 250 featuring Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics. This flight deck features three high-resolution, 15-inch diagonal Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) that are capable of showing multiple formats, including a navigation map with terrain; approach and airport charts; graphical flight planning, and optional synthetic and enhanced vision.

The large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 accommodates up to 10 passengers and offers outstanding performance with its excellent climb, high cruising altitude, high speed, long range and short-landing capabilities. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada 306A engines, the G200 is able to fly at speeds up to Mach 0.85 and at cruising altitudes up to 45,000 feet. Since joining the Gulfstream fleet in 2001, the G200 has benefited from several improvements, including a redesigned interior, a sound-proofing package and an aggressive weight-reduction program. The G200 offers several layout options and a competitive warranty. This large-cabin, mid-range aircraft can be tailored to meet individualized mission requirements. On June 4, 2008, the 200th G200 rolled out. Today, G200s are in service throughout the world - in Europe, Asia and both North and South America. The G200 received a Type Certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Sept. 7, 2004.

Rounding out the Gulfstream fleet is the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150. Powered by two fuel-efficient Honeywell 731 engines, the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 offers the best performance in its class with a range of 2,950 nautical miles. Available in three configurations, this aircraft comfortably accommodates six to eight passengers. The wide cabin features stand-up headroom, ample aisle space, and generous seated headroom and legroom. G150 benefits include competitive warranty, training and maintenance programs. On Jan. 18, 2005, the first G150 business jet rolled out of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) manufacturing facility at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel and successfully completed its first flight on May 3, 2005. The G150 received its Type Certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Nov. 7, 2005.